Ownership & classification
Founded: 1973
Ownership
Expresso is Portugal's leading quality weekly newspaper, first published on 6 January 1973 and founded by Francisco Pinto Balsemao (a journalist who later became Prime Minister). It is the flagship title of Impresa, the listed media group founded and controlled by Balsemao and his family (the Balsemao group holding), which also owns the SIC television channels and magazines such as Visao.
Funding
Financed commercially through newsstand and subscription sales, a digital paywall, and advertising, as part of the for-profit Impresa group.
Affiliation & stance
Expresso is privately and commercially owned by the family-controlled, publicly listed Impresa group, with no party or state shareholder; it is widely regarded as editorially independent and broadly centrist. Because control rests with private commercial owners free of party or state direction, it is classified INDEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 314
78/100
Factual
74/100
Objective
494
Articles
494
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
581 new immigrants entered Portugal every day between 2021 and 2025

The British press is reporting that Keir Starmer is expected to resign on Monday .

Negotiations scheduled for this Friday in Switzerland have been cancelled.
Lisbon mayor approves end of meal discount for most students without a ladder
The Navy assumes "internal fault" in the Mondego military notification but denies disrespect

The United Kingdom is banning social media for children under 16 years old. "It will make our children happier"
Swiss voters reject proposal to limit population to 10 million by 2050
A helicopter collision in Rio de Janeiro leaves at least six dead

The mayor of Amadora is under investigation in Operation Imergente
Recent coverage
Mundial2026. Martínez garante Portugal preparado para começar "um segundo Mundial"
Portugal's national football team coach, Roberto Martínez, stated during a press conference in Toronto that the team is prepared for the second stage of the World Cup after successfully completing the group phase. The team will face Croatia in a match scheduled for Thursday local time (Friday at midnight in Lisbon). Martínez emphasized that the players are physically and mentally ready, highlighting their adaptability to challenges such as different time zones, heat, and humidity. He praised Croatia as a well-known opponent with a similar playing style and noted that both teams have faced competitive matches before. Martínez also addressed the legacy of veteran players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric, who are expected to play their last World Cup, emphasizing their importance as icons of football. If Portugal wins against Croatia, they will face either Spain or Austria in the quarterfinals.
Venezuela: Survivor still trapped in rubble eight days after earthquakes
Hernan Gil, a 43-year-old security guard, has been trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building in Catia La Mar, a coastal area in the state of La Guaira, Venezuela, since the earthquake on June 24. He was detected alive by a Portuguese rescue team and has remained trapped for eight days. Rescue teams from seven countries—Portugal, Venezuela, Chile, the United States, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Mexico—have worked tirelessly for three days to reach him, changing strategies this morning to approach him from another location. His wife described the situation as a 'true miracle' and expressed amazement at the international cooperation involved. The region has suffered extensive damage, with many buildings destroyed and marked with the letter 'D,' indicating fatalities. The interim president of Venezuela declared seven days of national mourning. Official reports indicate over 2,295 deaths, more than 11,000 injured, and 50,000 missing. Among the victims were 75 Portuguese citizens and descendants, with 66 still missing. The Venezuelan government restricted access to the affected area, requiring volunteers to carry permits. International organizations estimate 50,000 people remain失踪

Putin recognizes the oil map for the first time
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged for the first time that Russia is building 'some oil reserves' during a meeting focused on energy issues. He emphasized the need to strengthen domestic oil production and increase output. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continued their attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, detonating an oil purification plant in the southern Krasnodar region, which produces around four million tons of crude oil annually. The Krasnodar region is one of Russia's largest oil-producing areas located near the Black Sea. On Tuesday, Ukrainian forces launched large-scale air strikes on Sevastopol, the largest city on Crimea, including attacks on oil facilities. In response, Russia, which annexed Crimea in 2014, has restricted fuel sales to the public to counteract the energy shortages. According to reports, these attacks have had no impact on the front line. During an interview with a Russian state television station, Putin described the Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure as an attempt to destabilize Russian society. He stated that Ukraine's goal was to halt the deployment of Russian military units to improve their position in arms control talks.
Heatwaves: Local and regional leaders call for more money to mitigate the effects of climate change
Following one of the most extreme heatwaves recorded in Central and Western Europe, local and regional leaders are urging the European Union to ensure that the next multiannual budget includes clear and specific support for climate change adaptation and mitigation at the local and regional levels. During a meeting with European Commission Vice-President Teresa Ribera, these leaders praised her efforts to keep energy and climate action at the top of the EU’s agenda and emphasized that transitioning to clean energy is an economic imperative, as demonstrated by multiple energy crises. On July 1st, the European Committee of the Regions adopted a report warning that the proposed structure for the next EU multiannual budget risks weakening the achievement of the EU’s climate and environmental goals and increasing territorial disparities. The report highlights that reaching the overall target of 35% for climate-related spending—up to 43% in National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs) and the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF)—will be difficult without strong territorial appropriation, clear assignment of responsibilities among different levels of government, and predictable funding.
Ministry postpones national exam grading dates: grades to be released on July 17
The Portuguese Ministry has postponed the release dates for national exam results, with final grades set to be published on July 17th. The announcement was made by Expresso, a Portuguese news outlet. The delay affects students who were expecting their results earlier, potentially impacting university applications and other academic planning. No specific reasons for the postponement were provided in the report.
Pascal Gonçalves: In our projects, a T2 that costs 380 thousand euros will suffer a reduction of 32 thousand euros in the final price
In a statement, Pascal Gonçalves, likely a real estate developer or business representative, mentions that a two-bedroom apartment priced at 380,000 euros in their developments will see a final price reduction of 32,000 euros. The quote appears in an article published by Expresso, a Portuguese news outlet. The statement suggests a potential market adjustment or promotional strategy aimed at making properties more affordable. No additional context or explanation is provided in the excerpt.

U.S. and Iran agree to cease attacks and return to talks
The United States and Iran have reached an agreement to temporarily halt attacks in the Persian Gulf and resume negotiations over the dispute regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The deal was confirmed by an American official, raising hopes for a temporary ceasefire. According to the official, technical discussions will continue on all points of the 14-point understanding agreement reached on June 17, which outlines the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for free shipping and the continuation of diplomatic dialogue. American media report that the next round of negotiations is expected to take place on Monday in Qatar, according to Reuters. The latest escalation began after an Iranian missile struck a merchant vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday. Following the incident, Washington and Tehran accused each other of violating the temporary ceasefire agreed upon on June 17. On Sunday morning, Iran launched missiles and drones against US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain shortly after President Donald Trump warned that Iran would face severe consequences if it did not respect the agreement to stop hostilities. The US military announced new strikes against Iranian targets several hours后
Immigrant withdrawal from Social Security jumps 66% by 2025
The headline reports a 66% increase in the number of immigrants leaving the Portuguese Social Security system in 2025. The article highlights a significant rise in the departure rate of immigrant beneficiaries from the social security program, suggesting potential changes in their status or eligibility. This development could reflect broader trends in immigration policy, economic conditions, or demographic shifts affecting social welfare systems. The data underscores growing concerns about the sustainability of social programs amid changing population dynamics.
ABB owner Gaspar Borges, accused of delivering €7500 in a bag from Perfumes & Company to a hospital director
Gaspar Borges, owner of ABB, is accused of delivering €7,500 in a Perfumes & Companhia bag to a hospital director. The incident involves allegations of potential corruption or unethical behavior related to financial transactions between a business owner and a public sector official. The article highlights the controversy surrounding the gift, suggesting possible impropriety in the exchange. No specific legal action or formal investigation is mentioned, but the act has sparked public debate over ethical standards in business dealings with public institutions. The case underscores concerns about transparency and accountability in corporate-governance interactions.
Labour package voted by the majority.
The Portuguese government's labor reform proposal is undergoing voting in the Assembly of the Republic. The proposal faces opposition from the PS, Livre, PCP, and Bloco de Esquerda. If approved in the general phase, it will move to the special phase before a final vote. Prime Minister António Costa emphasized the government's willingness to incorporate input from political parties. During initial debates, Labor Minister Palma Ramalho indicated openness to negotiating changes requested by Chega regarding shift work and parental rights by the Initiative Liberal party. Chega leader André Ventura,
Miguel Sousa Tavares: Bugalho's 'walking in together', the Lajes case for which the US has to answer and the contamination of pastures, 'a joke'
Miguel Sousa Tavares discusses several topics in his commentary, including the 'entry on foot' of Bugalho, referring to a situation involving Portuguese military operations or deployments. He also addresses the case of the Lajes airbase, suggesting that the United States has a responsibility to respond to certain issues related to it. Additionally, he comments on pasture contamination, dismissing it as a trivial matter.
Nuno Melo says investing in defence 'is not a matter of choice'
Nuno Melo, ministro da Defesa de Portugal, participou num debate organizado pelo International Club of Portugal em Lisboa, discutindo a importância do investimento em defesa como estratégia para fortalecer a economia nacional e proteger a população civil em um contexto de incerteza geopolítica. Ele destacou que, com a redução do investimento norte-americano na OTAN, a Europa precisa aumentar seus próprios esforços de defesa. Melo enfatizou que Portugal é 'a frente ocidental da NATO' e que o país investe significativamente em capacitações militares, incluindo aeronaves e navios, para garantir sua segurança e contribuir para a defesa europeia. Ele mencionou que Portugal investiu cerca de 6 bilhões de euros em defesa em 2023, correspondendo a 2,01% do PIB, e espera utilizar outros 5,8 bilhões através de empréstimos europeus. Além disso, ele defendeu parcerias estratégicas com empresas internacionais para garantir que Portugal seja uma parte relevante nos investimentos na defesa europeia.
How much are the most expensive penthouses in the country?
The article explores the cost of the most expensive penthouses in Portugal, focusing on their market value and factors contributing to their high prices. It highlights luxury properties in prime locations such as Lisbon and Porto, which are often owned by wealthy individuals or international investors. The piece discusses trends in the real estate market, including rising demand for high-end housing and the impact of economic conditions on property values. It also touches on the role of foreign investment in driving up prices in the luxury segment of the Portuguese housing market.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
Nothing flagged as overlooked yet.